Description
This Sweet & Spicy Gochujang Shrimp recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with tender shrimp coated in a flavorful Korean gochujang sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy skillet-cooked dish garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and a zesty lime finish, ideal for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1–2 tsp water (to thin sauce, if needed)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper to ensure they sear nicely and enhance their natural flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water if the sauce is too thick to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are lightly seared for a flavorful crust.
- Coat and simmer: Reduce heat to medium and pour the prepared gochujang sauce into the skillet. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, enhancing the glaze on the shrimp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the shrimp with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted peanuts or cashews as a topping.
